Mrs. Jeffries Defends Her Own Read Online Free PDF Page B

that Lucretia could have some privacy. The porter opened the door and stepped back to let her enter. She went in and then I heard her screaming. Both the porter and I raced into the office. That’s when we found him. I knew right away that he was dead.”
    Mrs. Jeffries regarded her curiously. “How did you know?”
    “There was blood all over the top of his desk.” She swallowed convulsively. “And Lucretia was standing there, holding his head up and … I … I could see the hole in his forehead. Oh God, it was awful. I wasn’t fond of Ronald, but I’ll never forget that sight as long as I live.”
    “What did you do then?”
    She grimaced. “I forced Lucretia to let go of him, and then I eased his head back down as gently as I could.” She shuddered. “Then I pulled her out of the room and yelled for the porter to fetch the police. After that, everything is a blur. Suddenly there were policemen everywhere. I overheard one of the constables say that it wasn’t a suicide as there was no gun near the body so it had to be a murder. Unfortunately, Lucretia heard him as well and started having hysterics.”
    “What did you do?”
    “I took her into John’s office and poured her a drink. He keeps a bottle of whiskey in his desk. Then I told her to lie down. I was going to stay with her, but the constable came and said the inspector wished to speak with her. As she was in no condition to speak to anyone, Iwent and told him that she was incoherent and wouldn’t be much use until she calmed down.”
    “So she was alone in John’s office when you went to speak to Nivens?”
    Fiona nodded. “Yes, why? Is that important?”
    She ignored the question. “Did you go right back to Lucretia?”
    She shook her head. “No, I stayed in the outer office. I could see John’s office door from where I stood, and I wanted to make sure they left her alone. I’m not fond of Lucretia, but she was in a state. It was when I was standing there that I heard your name so prominently mentioned.”
    “Do you want my help because you’re going to be a suspect?” Mrs. Jeffries watched her carefully as she asked the question.
    Fiona smiled briefly. “You always did get right to the point. Yes, that’s precisely why I need your help. I imagine it won’t take that policeman long to find out the worst.”
    Downstairs, Phyllis drummed her fingertips on the tabletop as she waited for Mrs. Goodge and Wiggins. She’d brought the tea tray down to find the kitchen empty. She was about to get up to go look for them when she heard Mrs. Goodge’s door squeak open just as Wiggins came in from the communal gardens.
    “Mrs. Jeffries didn’t want tea,” she said, keeping her voice low. “She said she and her visitor would have a drink instead.”
    Mrs. Goodge’s eyes narrowed behind the frames of her wire-rimmed glasses. “Are you certain? I’ve neverknown Mrs. Jeffries to drink at this time of day. It’s barely past lunchtime.”
    Phyllis nodded eagerly. “She told me herself and bid me bring the tea back downstairs. I’ve put the pot over there in case anyone wants another cup and put the rest of the things away. But she and her visitor were going to have sherry.”
    “I wonder if there is something wrong,” Mrs. Goodge murmured.
    “Maybe she just wants a sherry.” Wiggins sat down next to the maid. “The rain ’as let up a bit, but it’s still a right miserable day out there and maybe she wanted a quick drink to warm up her guest. I got cold just takin’ them bread crumbs out the birds.”
    “Did she mention the woman’s name?” the cook asked him as she sat down.
    Wiggins thought for a second. “I think I ’eard her call her Fiona. That’s right, she said,
‘Come right in, Fiona.’
”
    “Fiona,” Mrs. Goodge repeated. “I’ve never heard her mention anyone by that name. I wonder who she is.”
    “Well, whoever she is, she’s upset Mrs. Jeffries,” Phyllis declared.
    “Upset her? What on earth do you mean?”